A Frustrated baby- an Ode to Emi Yamada

I wrote the following in my journal 6/14/2013:

Have you ever experienced the cuteness of a baby learning how to speak? I have and I still am as I live in the McKinzie household and interact with their adorable son Cohen. Any who they muster a few comprehensible words and the rest is adorable jibber jabber. Well learning how to speak and understand Spanish is analogous to the cute baby you are imagining, the main difference is that I am NOT adorable and the process is not only humbling but frustrating as I know how to communicate effective (even if I always do or not) in another language. Then I think of my dear graduate school buddy Emi Yamada and I relax.

As you may have seen me express in some of my vlog posts on facebook, yo queiro apprender espanol so much!!!!! I want to be able to communicate with the people here without it taking an hour to ask a question. I almost cried out of sadness and frustration. Yes, I have only 6 hours of Spanish lessons and have been here for a complete week but that reality does not diminish the desire I have.

When learning a new language in a new culture it is extremely humbling. You become dependent on those around you to help you do almost everything and pray that they don't lead you astray or teach you to say offensive phrases. Also the proverb verse that states to be quick to listen and slow to speak is something that  I have been practicing.

I think of my dear friend Emi Yamada that is self-conscious about her English speaking abilities in large groups since Japanese is her first language. Emi was (well she still is a) very sweet, humble, helpful and considerate person. Living here in Arequipa, my respect for Emi has skyrocketed. Due to Emi wanting to learn English and obtain two masters from the US, she constantly put herself in a position where she needed the help of others that were younger than her whether it was spiritually, academics, social norms. What tenacity! What boldness!!! Emi will go very far with the spirit she has and her determination.

Thank you Emi for being a good role model.

Later that day, I had an opportunity to converse one on one with a church member named Areli. She knows some English and I spoke very little Spanish however I understood what she was communicating. It was a good experience and I see that I need to be constantly confronted with Spanish without the help of a translator to force my mind to click over.

Here's to learning Espanol.

The Gospel, Kingdom, and Mission work

In the last post, I spoke about the author Arias but not Costas. The chapter we read on Costas focused on evangelization and mission work. From the reading and discussion my mind began to fire thoughts linking the functionality of the gospel, the Spirit's role, and how this ties in to the work that is being done here in Arequipa.

A quote I recently posted on facebook was from Costas. The quote covers basically the function portion, and the Spirit's role. The quote is as follows:

 "Evangelization involves persons and communities working for the transformation of their respective life situations. Any person or community who cannot give evidence (through the efficacy of love (service, taking action)) of a transformed life is not capable of evangelizing others".

 I liked this quote because it states "working" not worked or has already transformed, indicating that Coastas recognizes that transformation is an ongoing process, however it is a process that must be taking place continuously, otherwise those that claim to have "it" or are done transforming does not understand the purpose of evangelizing.

Costas continues with stating that, "To participate in the transformation of one's life situation implies, first and foremost, having experienced God's grace, forgiveness, restitution, and liberation for service." There are those that wanted to transform peoples lives but not allowing themselves to be transformed (I was one). I did not the true meaning of forgiveness, restitution and liberation for service because it was based on my puny mortal power. I was stuck in a box because I was focusing on the wrong things. Therefore my idea of transforming other people's lives was just me wanting to create duplicates. I did not truly understand and experience transformation until three years ago and I am still transforming. It is difficult to push past old habits and what I consider "safe" tactics that does not serve any purpose but causing self-alienation.

Any who, my transformation was able to begin when I sat down and let God do the work in my life and in the lives of others. Yes, I can share, encourage, support and practice accountability, however it is not my power or how "good" I am that will transform people, it is the Holy Spirit that allows for one to come into contact with the Creator. Costas states, "The Holy Spirit enables men and women to hear God's voice both personally and collectively, and allows them to respond to God's call in creation, history and the (human) conscience. The Spirit breaks barriers and facilitates the communication of the Word of God, seeking and finding lost people. The Spirit opens their ears that they may hear God's saving message."

Now is and was the kingdom of God hidden? Yes and No, it was revealed and spoken about through Jesus' parables however, it took a while for even the disciples to get it. But if one were to look at the big picture of the Messiah's life (I am still talking about Jesus the Christ, I just wanted to switch it up), Jesus lived among those he was discipling (sp?). He taught through his teaching and lifestyle which embodied the very model of being holistic. Read the whole book of Mark.

As I am here I see that CUDA (Christian Urban Development Association) forms relationships with those that are "under-sourced" (term used by Greg) to share the Kingdom of God. Hence their vision of  "justice, well-being, and joy in the city" leads them to "promote physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being through projects in the areas of education, health, finance, and the environment." Check out their website for a more accurate description about what they do at: http://cudaperu.org/About.aspx. 
CUDA also makes sense of the the Kingdom of God being active through their developmental initiatives. (Even if giving/lending clothing and items to an intern in need. THANKS LARISSA!!!!!!!! #Shoutout)

I have heard some people say the church is the kingdom of God and I will have to respectfully disagree because the church is at most times an expected hot mess (we are all sick humans seeking healing) and the Kingdom of God is no,t however, the church should constantly pursue the goal of reflecting the kingdom of God. The church=the body=followers of Christ should want to create communities that demonstrates the holistic mission and love Christ had when on earth.

 Did any of that make sense?

 

The Gospel and the Kingdom of God

Two Thursdays ago ( June 13th) was our (the interns) first reading discussion with Greg our teacher. we each shared our personal gospel that we wrote for our pre-internship assignments. One thing that we all had in common in our gospel was the idea of love. (Sidenote: If you are interested in reading what I wrote please ask in the comments and provide your email and I will send it to you).

Greg asked us a few questions for us to consider when thinking about our gospel. They are as follows:

• What is the story your gospel comes from (your personal story or bible story)?
• How does your gospel relate to the gospel of Christ?
• In interacting with the Peruvians, how does your gospel relate to the experiences?
• What problem does your gospel answer? 

As we let those questions marinate we went to discuss the reading by the famous Bruggeman (he is mostly popular amongst seminary students of an evangelical background).  Bruggeman describes evangelism as a three part drama, there is conflict, announcement and appropriation (reaction), he continues to stated that it is an unfinished drama because God is still actively working in this world and as his children we are to work with God.

Discussing Bruggeman's ideas and technique's for evangelism, it led me to thinking about Narrative Therapy and Theology. The story a person creates for themselves impacts the way they see the world,their purpose in the world, and relationships with others. This story also affects their response to the idea of religion or seeking truth. Understanding the stories people have created about themselves and the way they think the world works can assist with producing 2nd order change (permanent, long lasting change). In the area of evangelism there needs to be a use of alternative biblical stories that counteracts/contrasts with the unhealthy stories that they have been holding on to. (Side note: I will be writing a blog about my frustration with the misunderstanding of being a Christ follower and the people that are perpetuating this false understanding).

There are no limits on the gospel, in fact there is most likely a misunderstanding on what the gospel is (yes the gospel does not include steps). Since I consider myself to be a Christ follower I look to Christ to explain what the gospel was/is. Greg challenged us to think beyond this idea that the gospel is love or the 5 steps to salvation  and to read what Jesus stated in Mark 1:14-15 when he stated the good news (the gospel) is that the kingdom of God is near. Bruggeman talks about the gospel referring to a new governance and speaks about love. I strongly believe, from reading that the gospel is about love, however not the love people like to focus on. You know? The love that means their life is going to be lemon dots and gum drops. I mean the true sense of the word love that involves intimacy, discipline, and freedom. To prove my point on the gospel being about love, God is love and if the gospel is that the kingdom is near and wherever God is that is where his kingdom is proves my point that the good news is that love is here. Does that make sense? Most likely not.

Okay so when Jesus states the kingdom of God is near what does he mean? Another book states that Jesus says, "The kingdom of God is within you..." The Greek word that is used is "enthos." The kingdom of God was stated to not come with observation. Well I guess the best next question is "what is the kingdom of God? When Jesus told a scribe that he, the scribe, was close to the kingdom of God, it was in response to the scribe stating that one has to LOVE God  with all of one's self and that loving others is more than sacrifices. So the kingdom of God has to do with love....and the gospel is that the kingdom of God is near...so does that mean that the gospel is that love, unlike human love, is near and accessible?

For last Thursday's reading, the theme of evangelism and the kingdom of God was continued from the perspective of two Spanish theology scholars: Arias and Costas.

Arias states in his writing that, "...the kingdom of God is the NEW order of love- depicted by God's motherly tenderness and fatherly authority." Sounds familiar? Jesus proclaims and teaches about the kingdom of God through his parables, the way he treats the people he encounters, and the acts of dying on the cross. Jesus is showing that this concept of love and grace is here and active now. 

Jesus's parables are evangelical in nature, they share the old order and the new order and leaves the listener with a decision: forgiveness of sins (a total holistic healing that involves the physical, mental and the spiritual) or remain an outcast (because in those times those that were labeled as a sinner were outcasts). Jesus came to reconcile the sinners to God. This reconciliation allows for the person to have a new life. 

The kingdom of God is also the kingdom of life? It would seem that the kingdom of life manifested itself through Christ to affirm human life (physical, psychological, spiritual, and social) and then to restore that life. Another example of Christ reconciling is the idea of breaking bread with people at a table. The idea of eating with different types of people at an open table proclaimed unity and this is where communion takes place to to honor the one that brought all people together.

The kingdom of God is operative in the here and now.

The Old Testament God versus the New Testament God

The CeDe-te taught by Greg, I attended late due to my unexpected long conversation with John. The part that I got out of what I did attend (it was all in Spanish) was the idea of the representation of God in the OT and in the NT.

This is what I "grasped" with my meager vocabulary words:

The concept of Christ and Joshua are not separate from God. It seems as if the Old Testament is not only in tension with the New Testament but some seem to think that the New Testament contradicts the Old Testament. However to attempt to understand the whole concept of God, there needs to include studying and the working of the Holy Spirit in this all (Efesios 1:15-23).

The God of Joshua that commanded him to kill and destroy villages, raid lands and then take the land to distribute among the Israelites, is the same God that loves, forgives and sent his son Jesus Christ to die for us. Now of course the usual reaction you hear is, "Why can a God that is love allow certain things to happen, or command for things that are analogous to genocide? That is a great question, and my answer is...because God is God. I know that sounds lame and a cop put answer but it is true.

People try to hard to figure God out to a T and that's impossible, because we CAN NOT so stop it!!!!! There are truths that God has revealed through the testimony of people in the bible and the way he operates in the lives of others (I acknowledge that this can be an iffy notion as well) however we as mere humans can NOT  know for a fact ALL there is about the Supreme being we name as God. Despite this, we should try to get to know and become intimate with him.

I digressed....anyway the overall message that I got from the Spanish theology class was that the YAHWEH
 mentioned in the Old Testament does NOT contradict the God mentioned in the New Testament. Both YAHWEH and GOD are the same and the testaments reveals the different aspects of God.

Now what was really stated and in detail you would have to ask Greg McKinzie, the teacher of that class, now of course I asked to see if I was correct in what I gathered and from his response I got the gist of what was stated.

Religion and Satanism...Oh boy....

Wednesday and Thursday of last week I have had some interesting and mentally stimulating conversations with people or listened to a class to learn about the bible more in Spanish. Let's just say that my mind is happily stretched. However due to the fact that it was a week ago and I have so many thoughts swimming in my head this post will most likely be incoherent.

Wednesday began with my Spanish class, which was entertaining and helpful. As usual, with each lesson I attempt to use what I have learned in that lesson and I was able to that night, however before I get to my evening I must share the philosophical conversation I had with a man by the name of...let's call him John. John approached me upstairs in the cafe' because he has seen me a few times at the Cafe because....well...he has made Cafe Connection his office.  Any who we began with the pleasantries (where are you from, why are you here, what school did you go to and what for, etc).

I do not remember how we got into the topics of  self discovery, philosophy and religion but we got really deep and our conversation lasted for about two hours. Some of the things we discussed was the pros and cons of religion and how it affects people that are in a religion or are victims of the things that religion has done to others. John used to be a Zoroastrianist and left that religion when he felt he longer needed it. From what I remember, since I am writing this post a week later, he feels that religion can help people get to a particular point but it is not necessary for a person to grasp the rest of life for themselves. I told him indirectly that he seemed to have the same ideas of those that ascribed to being Satanist, as in hating the idea of living under a higher authority and having "rules".

To explain where I was coming from I will attempt to share what I understand of Satanism. My understanding of the basic principles of Satanism is from a fellow young adult at my congregation in Brooklyn. She shared that she has an associate that used to actively practice Satanism and that there seems to be more people that are Satanists without realizing it. It also seems that the Satanist principles were written from a standpoint that pushes back on misunderstood Christian principles.There are two things that I agree with however maybe not the same way in that it was meant when written.  The nine main principles of Satanism:

1. Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence!

Nothing is to be gained by denying oneself pleasure.  Satanism is a world-affirming, not world-denying, religion. However, the encouragement of indulgence does not equate mindless submersion into pleasures. Indulgence requires one to always be in control. If satisfying a desire becomes a compulsion (such as an addiction), then control has been surrendered to the object of desire, which is never encouraged.

2. Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual pipe dreams!

Reality and existence is sacred, and the truth of that existence is to be honored and sought at all times, never to be sacrificed for a comforting lie or an unverified claim one cannot bother to investigate.

3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom instead of hypocritical self-deceit!

True knowledge takes work and strength. It is something one finds rather than what will be handed to you. Doubt everything and avoid dogma. Truth tells of how the world truly is, not of how we would like it to be. Be wary of shallow emotional wants, for they frequently can only be satisfied at the expense of truth.

(I actually agree with two and three in that knowledge is something that is learned and not just handed to you as pure dogma from one human to another, it is sad that people view Christians as mindless drones that are afraid to ask questions).

4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it [not] love wasted on ingrates!

There is nothing in Satanism that encourages wanton cruelty or unkindness. There is nothing productive in that, but it is also unproductive to waste your energy on people who will not appreciate or reciprocate it. Treating others as they treat you will form meaningful and productive bonds while letting parasites know that you will not waste your time with them. (This sounds like what most people think).

5. Satan represents vengeance instead of turning the other cheek!

Leaving wrongs unpunished merely encourages miscreants to continue preying on both yourself and others, and those who do not stand up for themselves end up being trampled. This is not, however, an encouragement for misbehavior. Becoming a bully in the name of vengeance is not only dishonest but it also invites others to bring vengeance upon yourself. The same goes for illegal actions of retribution: break the law and you become the miscreant that the law should come down on swiftly and harshly.

6. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible...!

Satan represents responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires! Real leaders are determined by their actions and accomplishments, not their titles, and real power and responsibility should be given to those who can wield it, not to those who simply demand it.

7. Satan represents man as just another animal...!

Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of his “divine spiritual and intellectual development,” has become the most vicious animal of all! Elevating the human species as somehow innately superior to other animals is blatant self-deceit. Humanity is driven by the same natural urges that other animals experience. While our intellect has allowed us to accomplish truly great things (which should be appreciated), it can also be credited with incredible and wanton acts of cruelty throughout history.

8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins...!

Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification! In general, the concept of “sin” is something that breaks a moral or religious law, and Satanism is strictly against such following of dogma. When a Satanist avoids an action, it is because of concrete reasons, not simply because dogma dictates it or someone has judged it “bad”. In addition, when a Satanists realizes that he or she has committed an actual wrong, the correct response is to accept it, learn from it, and not do it again, rather than mentally beat himself or herself up for it or begging for forgiveness.

9. Satan has been the best friend the Church has ever had...!

Satan has been the best friend the Church has ever had, as He has kept it in business all these years! This last statement is largely a declaration against dogmatic and fear-based religion. If there were no temptations, if we did not have the natures that we do, if there was nothing to fear, then few people would submit themselves to the rules and abuses that have developed in other religions (specifically Christianity) over the centuries.

I am not sure what my original reaction to this piece of information was however, I did find it very interesting. Ok I digressed so back to the conversation...

We talked about God and our concepts of God. Him and I are in similar places in our lives as we search for truth and wanting to be a better person however, I look to Christ as a person I model my life after and he looks to himself. It seemed as if he had a bad experiences with religion and have been around people that have been burned hence him not wanting to deal with it. I agree that religion has generally become a man made institution that lost the point of serving God, what it means and what it looks like. The way Christianity is displayed I can see ones apprehension to being a follower of Christ. I feel that Christianity (generally, not all) no longer accurately reflects the life and messages that are in the Bible. This saddens me because I feel there are people that will thrive from following the teachings and examples of Christ. Due to the fact I cannot recall all that was said I will share that it was a VERY interesting conversation.

As I told John, it is interesting that we have reached similar conclusions however my perspective gets clearer as I step away from man and closer to God. As he admits he is still searching and does not know it all, it is evident that he seeks freedom and strays away from the thought of being "governed" and to him I would imply that being a part of a faith is enslavement. However if he read the Bible, and were introduced to the real Christ he would see that a lot of what he is coming to believe is almost similar (besides the being ones own god). Being here in Arequipa, I am observing how and what it means to live out the gospel and have it be a part of your life as you share it with others.

A Special Shout Out

It would be a tragedy if I did not give a shout out to the people that helped me get here. I have been blessed with supportive family members, church family, friends of the family, and people that I have gotten close with in the past year or so.

First I would like to give a GREAT big shout out to Georgia Davis (my mother). This lady gave birth to me, raised me, and sacrificed so much of her life for me so that I would have much more than she had. As her only child she has been great at allowing me to venture out and travel since I was 16 years old. Her ability to let go and let GOD is AMAZING and telling of her faith. I know she would prefer for me to stay by her side but she understands that in order for me to grow, learn and be successful I need to
MUCHO GRACIAS!!!!!!!

Now time to share who these people are, I would share the amount of money they donated...but I am unsure if that is tacky or they would prefer me not to, therefore I will just leave that information out. My goal to raise for the trip was approximately $2400 and with these people I raised ALL of it and then some.

My lovely supporters:

Carol Anne Allsop (my older sister)
Deitrich Parker (church mommy)
John Allsop (my father)
Doris and Alfred Porter (my cousin)
Kings Church of Christ (my NYC church family)
Umilta and Michael Allsop (aunt and uncle)
Anna Allsop (my little cousin)
Dr. Stephanie Hamm (mentor and friend)
Sandy McGee (god-aunt)
Natasha Meusa (church family/old summer babysitter)
Sis. Iris Meusa (Natasha's mother)


Thank you all so much. I hope I did not forget anyone, if I did please charge it to my head and not my heart.

Wait what Exactly is this trip about?

I realize that many of you may not FULLY understand what this internship entails, therefore I was given a great detailed yet clear breakdown on what we will do, what we should learn, and how that plays out and I will share it with you.

2013 Team Arequipa Internship Overview

Internship Overview:

A cross-cultural immersion learning experience that engages the student in missiological theory and practice.  The purpose of the internship is to help the student to perceive the nature and scope of long-term cross-cultural mission work.  Emphasis is given to cultural intelligence, language acquisition, contextual evangelism, the dimensions of holistic ministry, and spiritual disciplines.  Field workers will guide the student in the spiral between practice and reflection.

Primary Objectives:

1. To cultivate the student’s inner life.
2. To navigate the challenges of culture grief.
3. To increase the student’s cultural intelligence.
4. To build missions competencies specific to Peru and thereby perform case studies in missions principles and practices.
5. To build holistic ministry competencies.
6. To expand the student’s vision of the kingdom of God and its implications for Christian mission.

Secondary Objectives:

1. To strengthen the Peruvian church
2. To collect data on Peruvian culture
3. To help the student attain a clearer vision of how God is calling him or her to live missionally.  

On-field Requirements:

1. Abide by internship policies.
2. Complete reading, journaling, language, and practical assignments.
3. Participate actively in group discussions and lead one group discussion.
4. Attend scheduled meetings with one’s assigned mentor.
5. Complete all shadowing assignments (TBD at orientation).

I hope this helps!  

The Bare Minimum: My Traveling Suitcase

I have been in Arequipa for approximately six days without my luggage. That's right! I have been utilizing the minimal clothes that I had in my book bag and my checked on duffle bag. My luggage decided to go to Texas without me and is now currently in Lima, Peru. At one point I thought she, my luggage, decided to travel the world without me. If you are keeping up with my Facebook page "Morena in the City", my missing luggage will explain why it seems like I am wearing the same round of clothes or why my days seem much longer than they are..



I was very proud of myself because the old Gerina would have been stressed and pissed about not having 90% of my things, however I am learning that things are just things and that I can function (quite well actually)  and be content with what I have. Thank you Holy Spirit for preparing me for this experience. The level of humility and good naturedness that I have exerted is surprising to me and that is when I know the peaceful spirit from the God head is in me. My fellow intern, Lisette, has allowed me to borrow sleeping clothes, as well as a shirt to add to the two polos that I have. Larissa Smith, one of the other missionaries, gave me the hygiene products that I did not have recently, but prior to that I was doing quite well anyway.

Yesterday and today I began to get a bit antsy but not longer than 5 min at a time and then I am so engaged with what is going on around me and the people that I forget all over again. It makes me think about how disgustingly obsessed Americans and some other cultures can be about "stuff". There is so much more to life.
I am living and understanding the scripture that states (and I paraphrase loosely), "Do not worry about what you will eat, or wear because the birds and flowers are taken care of daily, so why would we expect God our Father to treat us any differently?

I am grateful for the what I do have and the kindness of those that have been bestowed to me. Such as Kyle Smith, Larissa's husband, that has been my advocate with the airlines since I am unable to speak Spanish.

Hopefully, my luggage will decide to make a fashionably late appearance in Arequipa  within the next 2-3 days.

Tuesday: Cultural Class and My Reflections

Cultural class is the one class the interns have collectively and Greg McKenzie is our teacher. Today we had an introduction to Cultural Intelligence. Cultural Intelligence is the capability to be effective across a variety of cultural contexts (e.g. national, ethnic, organizational, generational, etc.).

When interacting with people for m another culture the way we may usually interact will most likely be read differently in another culture, and the most, I repeat the MOST ignorant thing a person can say or think is that this culture you are "imposing" on should adapt to you. Cultural Intelligence is mucho importante when doing mission work in another culture because you want to be very effective and to be effective you need to not only learn about the culture, but live in the culture, and acculturate to the cultures ways of thinking and interacting. It is also important to know when to adapt and when not to adapt. This is important especially, when it comes to Christian culture according to Christ (not to be confused with traditions of man imposed into the Christian culture, some of you know what I mean). 

As Greg shared in class (I will  paraphrase and integrate my reflection as well), Jesus came into this world as an infant (a very very humble state and a very strong statement God made in that fact alone). As an infant, Christ had to be dependent on others for his well being and was raised in a particular culture by parents that were a part of that culture. Jesus the Christ, was a Jewish man and a divine entity of the Godhead. being raised as Jewish, it allowed for Jesus to be more effective when sharing the will of his Father and bringing truth and fulfillment to the law.  Jesus had an understanding of the culture (communication styles, gestures, social ranks, etc) and because of this he was able to maneuver in the culture in particular ways. When it came to traditions that balked against his Fathers will that is when Jesus made the very clear decision to not only adapt but to almost...dare I say it...REBEL? 

At the end of class we took a personal profile that generally analyzed our basic models and what motivates us. There are six areas that the profile touched on and in class we touched on two: Time Orientation in relation to being Event Oriented and Task Oriented in relation to being Person Oriented. Kayla and Greg were traditionally more American in these two areas as they were more task and time oriented. Lisette, Parker and I were on the event and people oriented side of the grid. My task and person score was closer  which means that I can be pulled either way, it depends on the task or the people that would cause me to lean a particular way.

Greg shared that a year or two years ago when the interns interviewed the Peruvians of Arequipa asking the 10 questions to determine what part of the grid they were on, that when in the area of time and event they were usually in tension with one another, because for school and work they were on time, however for family events and church they are stereotypically late (there are those few people that will be on time to everything due to their personal values). So when they are late for church is it because they do not think it is as important as work? No, but it is because they view going to events that consist of the body of Christ as family events, therefore they are late but will stay until the very end.

Some preguntas (questions) that Greg mentioned for us to think about and we will re-visit in subsequent classes are the following:

How do we "do" church? How do we view church?

Is it an institutional/business model (Time, quantity valued)?  Or is it a Family Oriented model (event and quality valued?)

I am aware that some Christians that are avid church goers would most likely state,  "Of course we are a family! The church is the body of Christ! We are brothers and sisters through the blood of Christ!" My response to these people is, "Yes, you are correct because that is what the Bible communicates to us, however if we sincerely and humbly look at the way the church is "run" (eek that phrasing), how we communicate the model of the church (verbally and non-verbally), we may see that we send mixed messages. 

We say that we are a family but we act as if church is an institution. Now don't get me wrong my fellow CoC'ers and other Christian groups, I believe in order and healthy boundaries, because healthy functional families has healthy rules and boundaries, however those families still feel like a family. So what is the difference?

Some of you may think that I am being brain-washed but please understand I have felt this way for a looooooooong time however with my education and my so far brief experience here in Arequipa I am equipped in a way that allows for me to better express myself with facts, studies and simple experience.

As I am writing this I am somewhat listening into a meeting concerning the academic aspect of CUDA. One thing that is important to understand is that with all of the initiatives that are under CUDA is that they do not come to CHANGE, they come to LEARN and see in what ways they can utilize their expertise, gifts and knowledge to IMPROVE and/or RECOMMEND ways that the business and school systems can be more effective for them. It is arrogant and ignorant to come into a place with the idea to "help those poor people", as soon as that thought crosses one's mind count the work done on that mission trip to be short lived (first order) or be met with a lot of resistance.  

Monday: Language Class, Interaction and Mystery Oh my!

Monday was our first day of  language classes. We each (Kayla, Parker and myself) have our own teachers, and my teacher's name is Abraham. Abraham is a very patient and caring teacher, his familiarity with English and his struggles with English may assist in his ability to be a patient and empathetic teacher. being here in Arequipa learning a new language and being in rooms with people that are speaking in a language I don't understand does not annoy me at all. I actually like when people talk around and to me in Spanish because I feel that is the best way to learn. The only thing that is a little frustrating is the inability of not being able to communicate back to them. I am people oriented and love meeting new people so you can imagine how I may feel when it is difficult for me to ask people questions about themselves. So I just sit there and smile as I stare into people's eyes as if I know what they are saying hoping that I can get a divine connection into their souls. LOL of the picture I just described makes me sound like I am being creepy. I am not. well...maybe I am.

The interns and Lucia after language class in the Cafe.

I did better than I thought and learned that I was able to translate things into English based on words similar to English and the context of the text I was reading.  I am very context oriented, I knew this before but I am really realizing that now. It is difficult to explain this is how I am when it ALL literally depends on the context. I will go more into detail about this in my next post about our cultural class we had Tuesday morning.

I do have an opportunity to do a therapy session with a woman and her daughter. Actually, the woman is Patti, the lady that works with the Micro financing loan initiative and that led the ladies devotional I described in a previous post. After language class with Abraham Patti came over and requested my services! I was so humbled and felt like crying for some reason. I am actually tearing up now as I type this part because...I don't know...I was sincerely humbled at such a request and I guess because the Lord is finding a way to use me in a way that I was not expecting.  The therapy session will be nontraditional because Abraham will serve as our translator. I expressed to Patti that I was concerned with their being so many people involved and she stated that we all can meet in a private location which told me that she was not concerned at all with being vulnerable with Abraham. I have yet to met her daughter. Well I will be prayed up and solicit the prayers of those reading this blog.

Later the interns and I had lunch at the McKenzie's house and it  was DELISH!!!! Any who, instead of eating in the living room with the interns and Mission mommy Megan, I attempted to converse with Manuela as we ate lunch in the kitchen. I attempted to communicate with her utilizing  the meager Spanish I have learned.  Manuela speaks nada English so the exchange between was filled with silence but I was able to share that I had older siblings on my fathers side and I was the only child of my mother and tell her where they live. She shared that she had two children and five grandchildren. It was a meaningful exchange even though much was not spoken but it was the fact that we both attempted to get to know one another despite the huge language barrier.

That evening we all assisted Lisette in making a Venezuelan dish called Arepas. Arepas consist of the following: cornmeal bread, that can be stuffed with scrambled eggs with diced tomatoes and onions, black beans infused with cilantro, and cheese, they were mucho mucho bueno. After eating and conversing with Greg that returned that morning we watched two episodes of the Cosby show (yes the Cosby show) and once the children went to bed we watched the BBC's version of Sherlock Holmes which I fell in love with. The character of Sherlock Holmes in this miniseries is...let's just say I am intrigued by the working of his brain and the vastness of his intellect. It is confirmed I NEED an intellectual man that can stimulate my intellect without endeavoring to impress me but by just being himself. For now Sherlock Holmes will be my imaginative boo while I am here in Peru (oooo I rhymed).

Being a part of the body of Christ is not ONLY a Sunday event

One thing I am LOVING about being in Arequipa, Peru with the McKenzie and Smith team is that they live out their mission lives everyday. It is not set up to just pass out pamphlets and preach at people it is living among them, working with them, hanging out with them, doing business with them....basically, sharing their lives with the people that they are "targeting". Please excuse my use of the word "them" as if they are separate and a part from anyone else, because they are not. My use of "them" is my attempt to distinguish between the missionaries and the people of Arequipa.

Sunday Lisette went to church in the morning with Larissa at one of the members house that lives out in a community that's about 40 minutes away from here where they ate and fellowshipped. While Lisette was at church, we (Kayla and I) went to the market and grocery store with Megan and her children. At home, the children had Sunday school. I had my personal devotional. When Lisette returned home we (Lisette and I) took Anna to a Peruvian birthday party which was quite lovely. (For pictures and videos please refer to my Facebook page).

Returning from the party we got ready for church service at Megan's house. Usually, Greg is the one that leads the service however due to him being out of town and this being our first Sunday with the church (remember the church is the body, not the building) Megan had the members share their testimony's with us on how they came to Christ and we shared what brought us to Arequipa. I found it interesting that all the members that I have met so far has come in contact with Christ through relationships or through the business Team Arequipa has. The church continues to grow and it is also the members talking to their family members and bringing them around.

Some of the ladies used to be Catholic and shared that they did not learn a lot about Christ in Mass and not about having a personal relationship with Christ. They all shared that now they know more about Christ and feel that they have a personal relationship with him now than they have before and how he is a part of their everyday lives. Javier, the only male member of this congregation, besides Greg, came later and shared that he came to know Christ through CoC missionaries in Argentina. As he got older, he lost touch with the church because the ones he went to visit did not seem right (as in close knit, and an actual family). When he met the Arequipa team, he finally felt a part of a family that had the love of Christ. He especially, felt close and comfortable with Greg to share his struggles with.

Sunday was a lovely day!

Everyday is a Christ filled lovely day here in Arequipa...so far.... (giggles)

Saturday: The Grace of God

Saturday night was a ladies devotional as I stated in the previous blog and I enjoyed myself. Yes, it was ALL in Spanish, however I felt that I got 1/10 of what they were talking about and was able to contribute since Lisette volunteered as our translator for them and for us. A lady by the name of Patti was the leader of the bible devotional and the conversation was about what the grace of God is and if we deserve the grace of God.

As I observed these ladies I was impressed with the openness and the absence of pretense. These ladies have no qualms with sharing that they struggle with their flesh and from time to time has doubt but it is the grace of God that keeps them going.With the minimum amount of words that I picked up on (including the translation help of Lisette), the women seemed to have a better understanding of what the grace of God is compared to those in the states. Let me explain, it appears as if a lot of the people intellectually understands the grace of God, however it seems as if they are no longer convicted in their hearts about it, or the active grace that God bestows upon us has grown cold. These women seems as if they live it daily. therefore it seems as if they do not live it out daily, understanding not to sin again and again but when they fall it is easier to jump back up and continue this Christian race.

From left to right: (Gerina, Lisette, Megdalyn, and Kayla)

Initially, I thought the lack of pretense and conviction was due to most of these women being  new to the faith and that is why they are not so "churched trained" however I met Madelyn (the daughter of a preacher) and her faith is personal and strong, as well as Patti that has been a Christian for some years. As I sat there I felt the Holy Spirit in that place and felt that God was very pleased with what was taken place with the group of women. There was a spirit of trust, comfort, openness, willingness to learn and a sense of family among the women.

I guess due to the warmness of the environment it allowed a lady by the name of Martha to share her testimony with the group although she came late and was not a Christian. She learned about the devotional group from Patti, the devotional leader, through one of  CUDA's other initiatives, the Mirco Financing Loan. The Micro Financing loan program is a program that looks for entrepreneur borrowers and provides them with skills, tools and steps to improve their businesses along with about $300. Martha was one of the borrowers and through the relationship business Patti shared with her about the devotional group.

IT seems that the key to evangelism with Team Arequipa is building relationships. This reminds me of Kings Church of Christs mission statement when I was there which was something along the lines of building relationships with people, building people up and some other good stuff. (if you are a Kings's member and know what I am attempting to paraphrase please feel free to comment with the accurate statement).

On a lighter note, one aspect of the conversation that I got almost completely, without needing Lisette to translate, were the women talking about praying for a GOOD Christian man. (Chuckles) It seems like the Christian sisters here in Arequipa "struggles" with the same things that Christian sisters in the states struggle with and this is not even factoring if they are compatible.  I am guessing that this is an issue all over the world. Sigh.

Overall I appreciate the ladies group here in Arequipa and look forward to the other meetings to come.